Closure operator control system



Patented July 22, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 John F. Cook, Rocklord, Ill., assignor to Barber- Colman Company, Rockford, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Application June 27, 1945, SeriaiNo. 601,896

3 Claims.

The invention relates to closure operator control systems such as gnay be used for operating doors, gates and the like. It finds particular, although not exclusive, utility as applied to entrance doors for public garages and similar build ings.

The general aim is to improve and simplify prior control systems of this general type such as, for example, that shown in H. F. Collins Patent No. 2,262,! 19, issued November 11, 1941. More particularly, my objective has been to simplify and lessen the cost of such a system through elimination of a substantial number of parts, while still retaining performance of their functions. As will be evident from a comparison with the system disclosed in said Collins patent, I have succeeded in eliminating one of the three limit switches which are there used, together with its actuator, while still retaining the same overall functions for the circuit. This not only reduces the cost of the parts but also very considerably simplifies the initial adjustments required in installing the apparatus.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following de scription proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a door and operating mechanism therefor, as well as for a control mechanism embodying the present invention, the associating building structure being shown in vertical section.

Fig. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

For purposes of illustration and explanation of its novel features, the invention has been exemplified herein as embodied "in an operating system for a door or closure member in such as may be used, for example, in a public garage. The door itself may, of course, take various forms and since door structures of the general style shown are well known, a brief description will suffice as a preliminary to detailing of the actuating arrangement for it.- 7

The particular door shown (Fig. 1) is of the so-called overhead type. .It is made up of a pinrality of horizontal sections ll hingedly connected so that the door may be slid upwardly and inwardly along a curved trackway l2 on which it is supported by rollers l3. When in the closed position shown the door II) is vertical and closes a doorway It in a wall l5. When moved upwardly along the trackway i2 the door finally reaches an open position in which it rests upon the horizontal upper arms of the trackway.

The power drive mechanism for the door I 0 is illustrated herein as including a reversible electric drive motor l6 provided with alternatively energizable field windings. Ila and Nb, which are selectively energized to accomplish rotation of the motor in a corresponding direction. Through appropriate speed reducing mechanism, the motor drives one of the sprockets l8 over which an endless roller chain I9 is trained. In the present instance, the winding Ila is energized for closing the door and the winding IIb for p ning.

To connect the chain IS with the door [0, a carriage 20 is mounted for traversing movement along a horizontal. trackway 2! located between the upper and lower reaches of the chain [9. A curved arm 22 is pivotally connected at its opposite ends to the carriage 20 and to a bracket 23 bolted to the upper portion of the inner face of the door It. The carriage 20 is fixed to the chain l9 and, accordingly, when the lower reach of the chain is moved to the left (as viewed in Fig. 1) the door I0 is pulled upwardly and to the rear into its open position. Similarly, when the lower reach of the chain I9 is moved to the right or in the opposite direction, the door it is slid downwardly to its closed position. The configuration of the arm 22 and the location of its pivots is such that, when in the position of Fig. 1, it prevents the door ID from being pushed up, thus locking it closed. The motor brake also aids in holding the door closed.

The control system for the door operator motor It includes a control station designated generally as 24 (Fig, 2) and which may be located at any suitable point either near to or comparatively remote from the door ID, as may be desired in a particular installation. The control station 24 in the particular construction here shown includes a pair of normally open switch contacts 21 arranged to be bridged by depression of the opening push button 25. Similarly, a closing push button 26 is arranged, when depressed, to bridge a pair of normally open switch contacts 28 and to open a pair of normally closed back contacts 29. In addition to the manually operated push button switches noted above, there are included in the illustrated control system two limit switches 3| and 32 as part of a limit switch assembly designated generally as 30. It will be observed that a'third limit switch, designated as 33 in the Collins Patent No. 2,262,719

referred to above, has been eliminated in its masses The limit switch assembly 34 illustrated herein --is, of course, but one of a variety or forms that may be employed, so far as mechanical construction is concerned. A here shown, it is mounted adjacent chain I9 (see Fig. 1). Both of the switches 3| and 32 are normally urged to open position by suitable spring arrangement (not shown). The switch 3| is arranged to be closed by an actuator finger 34 loosely Journaled on a horizontal rockshaft 35. Integral with the actuator finger 34 is a two-horned cam lug 3! disposed in the horizontal path or movement of a lug or projection 31 fixed on the chain I9. When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2, movement of the lower reach of the chain I9 to the left will cause the lug 31 to strike the lefthand horn of the cam 35 and swing it in a counterclockwise direction so that the finger 34 releases the contacts 3|, thereby permitting the latter to open. Such movement of the finger 34 in a counterclockwise direction is limited by an integral stop finger 38 which contacts a fixed plate 39. Furthermore, an over-center springbiased toggle mechanism serves to snap the actuator finger 34 to one or the other or its extremities of movement toward which it is shifted.

This toggle mechanism includes a pin 40 pivoted to its upper end to the actuator structure and I having its lower end projecting loosely through a hole 4| in the plate 39, a helical compression spring 42 being arranged to encircle the pin.

Also mounted on the shaft 35 is an actuator for the other limit switch 32 and which is substantially similar to that heretofore described for the switch 3|. This actuator includes a finger 43 fastened as an integral projection on a plate carried on the shaft 35. On this plate is formed a two-horned cam 44 as well as a stop finger 45 cooperating with the fixed plate 39. The cam 44 is arranged to be engaged by a second projection 41 carried by the chain I9. As in the case of the first actuator described, a toggle mechanism is provided including a pin 48 and spring 49.

In general, the actuating arrangements for the limit switches 31 and 32 are such that both of these switches remain closed throughout substantially the full path of travel of the door I0 and are opened only at respective extremities of its path of travel. Thus the switch 3| is open only when the door is open, while the other switch 32 is open only when the door is closed. With but two limit switches, so related as to time of operation, there is no problem involved of initially timing a plurality of switches to open and close precisely in unison.

Current for the electric drive motor I6 may be supplied from any suitable source such, for example, a alternating current supply lines L1 and L2. The system may, for example, be designedfor operation from a conventional 110 volt alternating current supply line.

As a further safety measure, a brake 5| (Fig. l) is applied to the motor I6, this brake being normally urged into braking condition by suitable spring mechanism (not shown). An electric solenoid 52 (Fig. 2) serves, when energized, to release the brake 5|. Energization of the solenoid is controlled by normally open contacts 53 01 a relay 54 having an actuating winding 55 interposed in the common supply lead of the motor field windings I'Ia, I'Ib. In this way the solenoid 52 is energized when, but only when, the motor I6 is in operation. Accordingly, in

advertent gravity descent of the door I! is eflectively prevented at all times.

Attention may now be given to the connections employed in-the illustrated control system. With the supply line Lo connected to the common terminal of the motor windings Ho and Nb, the

motor is energized for closing and opening move completed through such switch in series with the normally closed back contacts 29 of the closing switch and through the limit switch 3| (through E-)-55215129-583 |"59-|Ib-3I|55- As soon as the opening movement of the door I0 starts, the second limit switch 32 is closed automatically thereby completing a holding or maintaining circuit in shunt with the manually operated opening switch 25, 21. Thus it will be noted that the switch 32 has one terminal connected to the line L1 through the conductor 3| while the other terminal of switch 32 is connected to conductor 58, and then to motor winding IIb, through 55-10-29. Consequently, the push button 25 may be released after a momentary closure and the door Ill will continue to rise until it reaches the fully opened position. At the latter point the limit switch 3| is automatically opened thereby interrupting the previously identified circuit to the motor winding III) to stop the motor.

To close the door III the push button 28 is depressed thereby opening the back contacts 29 and closing the main contacts 28. The closing of contacts 28 completes an energizing circuit for the motor winding Ila with the limit switch 32 again functioning in the circuit, this time in series with the closing" switch 28. Thus supply line L is connected to the motor winding IIa through 6 |-32-65-2863. As soon as the door starts to descend, the switch 3| is closed.

As the door ID descends, if the operator releases the push button 25 at any time the contacts 28 reopen, thereby interrupting the energizing circuit to the motor closing winding Ila. Moreover, the back contacts .29 are reclosed, resulting in the establishment of a circuit for the motor opening winding Ilb, again through soaction of the limit switch 32. Thus, when contacts 29 are reciosed there is a circuit from Ll to the winding I'Ib through 6 |32--65'|0-29 583|59. Consequently the descent of the door I0 is not only stopped upon releasing the push button 26, but in addition, the motor I5 is automatically reenergized to restore the door to its fully opened position. The advantages of such an action, from the standpoint of safety, will be clear. Should a car or person attempt to enter the doorway while the door is closing the operator has only to release the button 23. The door will go back up to its safe open position without even requiring the attendant to have presence of mind enough to press the button 25.

In the event that the operator holds the closing push button 25 depressed throughout the closin movement of the door ID, the door finally reaches the fully closed position shown in Fig. 1. Upon reaching such position the limit switch 32 is automatically opened, thereby interrupting the previously identified energizing circuit to the motor winding I'Ia so that the motor stops and the door remains closed.

From the foregoing it will be perceived that the limit switch 32 performs three rather distinct functions in the system, and it is by using this single switch to accomplish such a variety of purposes that I have achieved an important overall simplification in the system. First, the switch 32 serves to interrupt the energizing circuit to the motor winding Ila at completion of the normal closing movement 01' the door. Second, the switch 32 functions to establish a holding circuit in shunt with the opening switch contacts 21 so that only a momentary closure of the latter is the switch 32 partially completes an energizing circuit for the opening winding ill; of the motor, so that such circuit may be automatically completed by reclosure of the contacts 29 to efiect emergency reopening oithe door after partial closure of the latter.

In analyzing the foregoing circuit it will be seen that there is a lead from the motor closing winding Ila to the supply line L1 in which the manually operated closing and opening switches are interposed in series (l1a632365-'I05l-- 2|53L1), whereas there is a second lead from theother motor winding ilb to the supply line L1 in which the switches 3|, 29 and 32 are all interposed in series (ilb-59-3i382910 05-328l-L1). Moreover, there is what amounts to a cross connection between these two leads constituted by the conductor Hi which is common to the two. Such point of cross connection is located in the first lead at a point intermediate the opening" switch 21 and the closing" switch 23, and in the other lead at a point intermediate the limit switch 32 and back contacts 23 of the closing switch. By such in terconnection I .am able to accomplish the operation described with but two limit switches acting in conjunction with the opening" and "clos- 1 ing switches and back contacts on the latter.

, I claim as my invention:

1. In ajower operator for a closure member movable between open and closed positions, the combination or a reversible electric drive motor having two alternatively available energizing circuits tor eflecting rotation of the motor in cor responding opposite directions for respectively opening and closing the closure member, means including a first manually operable switch normally biased to, open position for energizing said opening circuit, said means also including a second manually operable switch which is normally closed and a first limit switch. both connected in series with said first manual switch, means ior retaining said first limit switch in closed position throughout the travel or the closure member and for opening the same only when such member is substantially in fully open position, a third manually operable switch normally biased to open p sition and mechanically connected to said second manual switch to open and close in alternation therewith, and means including a second limit switch operable in timed relation with the closure member to remain closed throughout the travel or such member and open only when the latter is substantially i'ully closed tor (a) deenergizing the motor closing circuit upon completion or a closing movement or the closure member instituted by closing 0! said third switch. (1)) completing a holding circuit in shunt with said manualswitchtoretainsaidmotoropening circult energiaedaitermomentary closureoisaid first manual switch, and (c) partially co p ting an energizing connection for said motor opening required to effect full opening of the door. Third,

circuit preparatory to completion of the same by reclosure of said second manual switch to effect restoration of the closure member to open position whenever the third switch is manually released during closing of the closure member.

2; In a power operator for a closure member, the combination oi. a reversible electric motor having a pair of terminals adapted to be alternatively connected to a supply line for eflecting, respectively, opening and closing movements of the closure member, a pair of leads for connecting respective ones of said terminals to a supply line, a normally open manually operable closing" switch interposed in the lead to the closing terminal, a normally open manually operable opening" switch also interposed inthe last-mentioned lead between said ,closing switch and the supply line, a first limit switch and an additional manually operable switch interposed in series in the lead to th opening terminal, said additional switch being mechanically interconnected with said closing" switch to open and close in alternation therewith, means for retaining said first limit switch closed throughout the path of travel of the closure member and for opening such switch only when such closure member is substantially fully open, a second limit switch also interposed in said lead to said opening terminal between the supply line and said additional switch, means for retaining said second limit switch closed throughout the path of travel of the closure member and for opening such switch only when such closure member is substantially fully closed, and a cross connection between said leads from a point in the lead to the closing terminal intermediate said "opening switch and said closin switch to a point in the other lead intermediate said second limit switch and said additional switch.

3. In a power operator for a closure member movable between open and closed positions, the combination of a reversible electric drive motor having opening and closing" windings, said windings being adapted for common connection to one terminal or a power source, an intermediate terminal supplied from the remaining terminal of said power source via a parallel circuit including (a) a first manually operable normally open switch means and (b) a normally closed limit switch arranged to be open only when the closure member is fully closed, second manually operable switch means connected to said intermediate terminal and effective normally to connect the same to said "opening" winding but depressible to alternatively connect said intermediate terminal to said "cl0sing win g. and a normally closed limit switch in series with said "opening winding and arranged to be open only when the closure member is fully open, so that said first and secand manually operable switch means are eilective respectively to cause opening and closing or the closure member and so that the closure memher will be automatically driven to the open position upon release of said second switch means with the closure in an intermediate position.

\ JOHN F. COOK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are or record in the file 01' thll patent:

UNITED'STATES PATENTS 

